NEW JERSEY: Violet

Another violet! Actually, four states claim it as their state flower, so be prepared to see two more; Illinois has been done, but Wisconsin and Rhode Island (#25 & #26) are yet to be stitched, and back-to-back at that---by happenstance it seems. The flower blocks are similar, so I did this one in shades of purple to give my quilt blocks variety! Besides, common meadow violets in eastern North America run a range of colors. In New Jersey for instance, from March to June, native violets appear as white, blue, and purple, so any shade of those could be adopted to suit your own color aesthetics.

One thing they all have in common though is, they self-seed. The seeds are tiny and are easily carried by the wind and weather. That's why they often pop up in empty lots and fields, cracks in sidewalks, in manicured lawns and gardens alike, anywhere they find a little earth, water, and dappled sunshine. I like to stick them in hanging flower baskets too. Beyond their use as a garden plant though, the violet has historically been used for food and medicine. Flowers and roots can be eaten. The Cherokee Indians used it to treat colds, and headaches. In the Manual of Medical Botany of the US of North America (1821-1830), it was claimed to be useful for colds, sore throats, and constipation. I wrote a little more about its fine qualities, and uses in baking over here.

Historically, the violet was the chosen favorite by New Jersey residents, and in 1913, the common violet (viola soroia) was designated by legislature. Unfortunately, the resolution was overlooked for one reason or another, leaving the status for the state flower uncertain for the next fifty years. Another attempt was made in 1963, but it was contested and failed to pass. Finally, with a collective push by garden clubs and other states declaring the virtues of the violet as a prized plant, the bill was approved on February 15, 1971, establishing its position once and for all in the 'Garden State'.

COLORS: I chose these--but again, don't feel you have to do them exactly the same. For the record I used #155 & #3746 for the petals; leaves #3346; stems #581. Stitches used were stem (for outlines), and satin stitching (for fills), and back stitch for the letters.

BLOCK SIZE: Images should be about 4 x 4-inches---to fit a 6.5" quilt block. To get the image:: RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options--LEFT CLICK and use the flickr 'all sizes' link.

STITCH GUIDE: For general color and stitch guide; print out the original PDF Directions here:

Comments

NEW JERSEY: Violet

Another violet! Actually, four states claim it as their state flower, so be prepared to see two more; Illinois has been done, but Wisconsin and Rhode Island (#25 & #26) are yet to be stitched, and back-to-back at that---by happenstance it seems. The flower blocks are similar, so I did this one in shades of purple to give my quilt blocks variety! Besides, common meadow violets in eastern North America run a range of colors. In New Jersey for instance, from March to June, native violets appear as white, blue, and purple, so any shade of those could be adopted to suit your own color aesthetics.

One thing they all have in common though is, they self-seed. The seeds are tiny and are easily carried by the wind and weather. That's why they often pop up in empty lots and fields, cracks in sidewalks, in manicured lawns and gardens alike, anywhere they find a little earth, water, and dappled sunshine. I like to stick them in hanging flower baskets too. Beyond their use as a garden plant though, the violet has historically been used for food and medicine. Flowers and roots can be eaten. The Cherokee Indians used it to treat colds, and headaches. In the Manual of Medical Botany of the US of North America (1821-1830), it was claimed to be useful for colds, sore throats, and constipation. I wrote a little more about its fine qualities, and uses in baking over here.

Historically, the violet was the chosen favorite by New Jersey residents, and in 1913, the common violet (viola soroia) was designated by legislature. Unfortunately, the resolution was overlooked for one reason or another, leaving the status for the state flower uncertain for the next fifty years. Another attempt was made in 1963, but it was contested and failed to pass. Finally, with a collective push by garden clubs and other states declaring the virtues of the violet as a prized plant, the bill was approved on February 15, 1971, establishing its position once and for all in the 'Garden State'.

COLORS: I chose these--but again, don't feel you have to do them exactly the same. For the record I used #155 & #3746 for the petals; leaves #3346; stems #581. Stitches used were stem (for outlines), and satin stitching (for fills), and back stitch for the letters.

BLOCK SIZE: Images should be about 4 x 4-inches---to fit a 6.5" quilt block. To get the image:: RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options--LEFT CLICK and use the flickr 'all sizes' link.

STITCH GUIDE: For general color and stitch guide; print out the original PDF Directions here: